Signus is a zoological category, this is the name of a breed of birds - a large white northern swan. I'm not joking: I found it in an English-language reference book, it says so there - "Cygnus - big northern swan". Well, the name is beautiful, but how suitable is it for a heavy SUV?
SWAN WHITE
Land Cruiser Cygnus - appeared on the market in 1998 - first in the USA as the Lexus LX-470, then a little later - at home. The equipment seemed to be only one, but according to the all inclusive principle, in Russian - “tricked out”: interior - genuine leather of special dressing, front panel shells - natural walnut or poplar root, electronics and audio - “full stuffing”. And the main highlight is the super suspension: automated clearance control and arbitrary control of shock absorber stiffness. The Swans have only one engine - a 235-horsepower V8 2UZ-FE gasoline engine. Such cars in Japan initially cost a little less than 50 thousand dollars, the latest "improved" modifications have become more expensive - up to $ 60 thousand. In Russia, new Lexus LX-470s are sold at prices starting at $80,000,000. This car is favored by celebrities. It is known, for example, that the famous director Andrei Konchalovsky drives a Lexus LX-470. Are there any differences between the American and Japanese versions? Not much, and those are only cosmetic - the form of foglights, taillights and something else on the little things. A little later, the base modification of the Swan appeared on sale with the well-known 1HD diesel engine. Are there many "Northern Swans" in Irkutsk? No more than a dozen, and even then if you count both Lexuses and Kruzaks.
Once, I was talking on the side of the road with an old acquaintance - a big fan of Japanese jeeps - he himself operates an old Prado 70 and considers him a "real rogue". Suddenly, a white LX-470 "solemnly floated" past us, to which my interlocutor gritted: "The largest Japanese SUV." Here are those on - you need to check! And in general, what does “SUV” mean!? Maybe I'm missing something, but it seems to me that the "SUV" is an all-wheel drive station wagon with high ground clearance, but without off-road frills in the transmission - demultipliers, differential locks. That is, with a monocoque body and permanent all-wheel drive with a non-locking center differential. So look at the table - Cygnus is far from being an "SUV", it has everything that a real all-terrain vehicle should have: two differential locks, a demultiplier and a chassis on a frame with a solid rear axle. Plus, adjustable suspension stiffness and clearance control!
The opportunity to check, as always, presented itself by chance: I met my classmate. Once upon a time, as boys with slingshots in our pockets, we rushed along Gagarin Boulevard, and today a childhood friend is the director of a reputable Irkutsk enterprise and “under himself” uses the “White Swan”. Since the leaders are very, very busy people, let's leave the owner of the jeep incognito: his deputy went to meet with the correspondent of "A + C" - he became a co-author of our report.
CLOSE CONTACT OF THE FIRST KIND
At the appointed hour, a “white fluffy” Land Cruiser Cygnus and Dmitry Leonidovich Nizhegorodov, accompanying him, were standing under my window. Dmitry himself, as it turned out, is a former pilot! Yes, a real professional - he graduated from an aviation school and worked in small aviation. In the early 90s, when, according to Dmitry, “our small aircraft were destroyed,” our hero began to look for sources of livelihood worthy of a real man. These searches were not crowned with success either in the traffic police or in the police (this is life!) and, finally, proudly bearing the honorary title of reserve officer, Dmitry found a haven for the restless spirit in the "special services". Well, from the “organs” of the state, the well-known wide path leads to commercial structures. In short, we, dear readers, were lucky: a very serious, educated and technically competent person got caught, which means that he can tell something interesting and sensible about the car.
The car, as it turned out, was produced in 1999, my friend has been in Irkutsk for 3 years, the mileage is 151,000 kilometers. What is such a machine for? It turns out that the chef likes to go on vacation to distant tracts among the Baikal ranges. Here "SUV" will not help. Dmitry says: “Well, yes. Imagine, for example, Enhok: from Mukhor to Sarma it is still possible to drive at a light pace. And then - already a question!
For three years, the "Swan" almost nothing broke. Immediately after the purchase, the ball joints were replaced - there was already a backlash. Well, then, during the entire operation, it recurred several times, according to the former pilot, “the main disease of all hundredth Cruisers”. “The front brake discs they work in intense thermal conditions. I drove through a humid city - lo and behold, steam was pouring out of the front brakes! If, after intensive braking, you find yourself in a large puddle or wade into a river, then the disks warp, that is, they actually fail. After that, when braking, even the steering wheel beats in the hands. We bought “very cool disks” - 10 thousand rubles apiece - it didn’t help, the hour came, and the expensive disks also warped! Turns out it's consumable...
OUTSIDE AND INSIDE
From the outside, Cygnus fully justifies its name - it actually resembles a large swan: the lines are smooth, "bird's eyes", stampings on the wings - these are, of course, swan wings ... And he himself is white and fluffy. I really liked it - and the power in it, and tenderness, as in a mighty northern bird. And open the "beak"? Dima clicked the hood lock - let's see what is "in the goiter" of the bird. Nothing interesting at all. The entire engine compartment is occupied by a hefty square cover with the inscription "V8 4700". Yes, this Zmey Gorynych about two heads and eight "pots" pretends to be skewbald.
Opening the driver's door: how is it? For some reason, I was immediately drawn into this "inside" - I just wanted to "jump", which I did not slow down and do. Feel? Very nice! The “Swan” immediately envelops you with comfort: it’s nice and comfortable in the “famous” places, and the grippy steering wheel goes into your hands, and you take your left hand off the steering wheel, and it falls on the head of the gear selector by itself, right there and the mode buttons - everything is at hand . There are three noteworthy buttons on the side of the driver's door: "Set", "1" and "2". Dmitry comments: “Recording and playback of workplace settings for two drivers. This includes the position of the seat, steering wheel and mirrors.” To the right of the steering wheel is a control unit for the position of rear-view mirrors, headlight washer and blower fans. On the steering column, in addition to the usual "steering column", on both sides of the "joystick" - pulled over, there was a displeased grunt of the servomotor, and the steering wheel began to "run into" your humble servant. It's clear. What about on the left? To the left of the steering wheel, the most important button labeled "Diff Lock" is the rear cross-axle differential lock. And the interaxle? Dima shows: here it is, on the center console, bottom right - all four wheels and a cross in the middle.
The console, I would say, is a typical Toyota one. And it pleases! It is better when all the controls do not require getting used to. The touch display has long entered the everyday life of our lives - everything is as usual here, climate control, navigation, video, audio are controlled by on-screen buttons ... This is where the most grandiose inlay made of natural walnut veneer flaunts. Below is the automatic transmission selector. To the right of the “cobra head” is the damper stiffness knob: COMFORT - SPORT. A little back - a long button with arrows "back and forth" - adjusting the ride height. This "baida" can be turned off altogether - there is a corresponding "Off" button. Nearby is a “box” mode button with two positions: 2nd - a winter soft start from second gear, PWR - a sports mode that allows you to turn the “engine” in each gear to maximum speed. To the left of the selector flaunts the "knob" handout - the most commonplace with three positions "H", "N" and "L". What else? Oh yes, appliances. Here they are ordinary, not “opti”, but very nice design and readability is good - there is a knob for adjusting the brightness of the glow. As for space, there is room everywhere - both in front and behind. Above his head, too - the lord may not remove the top hat. This car has a third row of seats - for "corporate purposes". The third row is three-seater, it makes the entire crew eight-seater. The rear seats can be removed, can be folded traditionally, or rotated in an Oise - on the sides.
OUTSIDE, TO PAMPAS
The task set is not simple: to prove that this beautiful white car is not a SUV, but a real jeep. What is needed for this? At best, virgin snow. At worst? There is also this: arable land of the “black fallow” type, well, and sprinkled, in accordance with the season, with half a meter of snow. Where to find it? I know! On the fifteenth kilometer of the Baikal tract, if you turn towards the bays, there is arable land - I saw it “in its pure form” in the fall, and now it is covered with deep snow! There - to the Wolf Bay. The former pilot liked it, he smiles: it is clear that he is a tester by nature. We drive through the city to the dam. Fast. At the wheel, Nizhegorodov is like in an office: he drives with one hand, juggles with a cell phone with the other, takes out some papers from his pockets, reads them and dictates something to someone.
After Novaya Lisikha, Dmitry “drowns” and goes to a “one and a half hundred” on a gentle, insidious turn, my muscles stiffen, and I say instructively: “Hush. Quiet. There is often ice here. The “Chief” realized that “the reporter was in alarm” and let go of the “trigger”.
At the hillock - turn right. Here we are on the field. We turned around - on the right is a pine forest, on the left - an endless distance. Ahead is the Irkutsk Sea and a cozy bay with the harsh name Volchiy. I don’t believe it: won’t Dima take pity on “Kruzak” and jump off the road onto the snow-covered arable land? Has stopped. We check the depth of the snow ford: knee-deep! "Kruzak" is above the hubs. And under the snow, cloddy earth - black-brown loam, arable land - the mother of the Russian people. Differences under the snow of 30-40 centimeters - it is very difficult to walk with your feet. We roll down the "White Swan" from the road: swinging left and right, as if on the sea. We remember: you need to raise the clearance. Stop. We press the button for lifting the suspension: an indication lights up on the instrument panel. Here the middle position blinked, then it lit up constantly. middle. We hold the button. The top position flashed. We hold on for a long time. No, it didn't light up for some reason. Nizhegorodov says: “For some reason, he doesn’t want to. Well, God be with him. And so high." Let's start. No, it doesn't! Grinding diagonally. We turn on the locking of the center differential: we went right away, and it’s good. We stop. I get out of the car, Dima remains behind the wheel - we will shoot a photo report about the fight against virgin snow. Well, I mean that I need “factual material”, that this is “not a SUV”.
I went out onto the road - Dima drove across the field. He described a wide circulation with good speed and drove into a deep drift - "Swan" snow "belly deep". Stopped, looked out. They jumped: "Come on!". Sanded - from under the wheels of snow like a fan. Can't move. Quiet. Silence, and suddenly without any "tension" went and went, and so briskly - faster than at first. As it turned out, blocked the rear differential! I look, it enters the second, wider circle, and the speed is greater than before. After a large semicircle, a sharp turn - at 90 degrees: a professional reception for testers for patency in loose soils. But Cygnus did not even think of stopping: rushing, he almost said "like a real swan."
| Specifications | ||
| BODY | ||
| Type | station wagon, UZJ100 | |
| Number of doors/seats | 05.aug | |
| Chassis | closed rectangular frame with cross bars | |
| ENGINE | ||
| Type | 2UZ-FE, petrol, V8, 32 valves, VVTi, multiport fuel injection, DOHC - 4 camshafts in chain-driven heads | |
| Working volume, cub. cm | 4663 | |
| Cylinder diameter x piston stroke, mm | 96x84 | |
| Compression ratio | 9,6 | |
| Power, kW (hp) / rpm | 172,8 (235)/4800 | |
| Torque, N * m at rpm. | 421,7/3600 | |
| TRANSMISSION | ||
| Transmission | 4-speed hydromechanical planetary automatic with adaptive electronic control (ECT-i), transfer case with range and center differential with viscous coupling | |
| Drive unit | permanent full with forced mechanical electronically controlled inter-axle and rear inter-axle differential locks | |
| STEERING | ||
| Type | rack and pinion with hydraulic booster | |
| Turning radius | 5.9 m | |
| SUSPENSION | ||
| Front | independent, torsion bar on double wishbones with anti-roll bar | |
| rear | dependent - rigid axle on trailing arms with Panhard rod | |
| WHEELS | ||
| Tire size | 275/70 R16 | |
| DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT, VOLUME | ||
| Length/width/height, mm | 4890/1940/1890 | |
| Base, mm | 2850 | |
| Track front / rear, mm | 1620/1615 | |
| Maximum ground clearance, mm | 220 (arbitrarily adjustable by the driver) | |
| Empty vehicle weight, kg | 2470 | |
| Fuel tank volume, l | 96 | |
| DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE | ||
| Maximum speed, km/h | 175 (electronic limiter) | |
| Acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h, s | 11,5 | |
| FUEL CONSUMPTION, l/100 km | ||
| Mixed cycle | 17 | |
| ELECTRONIC, SERVICE SYSTEMS AND SERVO DRIVES | ||
| Cruise control, central locking, ABS, el. power windows, air conditioning, el. steering column adjustment (back and forth and up and down with memory for 2 positions), driver's seat (back and forth and up and down with memory for 2 positions), rear-view mirrors (with memory for 2 positions), automatic adjustment of the rear mirrors reverse view, audio, video, TV, CD player | ||
DRIVER AMBITIONS
Now it's my turn to drive. Well, what can be said? The impressions are threefold: firstly, as an electric locomotive driver - the dimensions are huge and the power is felt formidable, secondly, like a tractor-combine operator - there is no road, but the “hefty machine” goes (I remembered how in my youth I cultivated fields on a tractor K -700), and thirdly, like a driver of a car - easy to manage, obedient, meek and dynamic at the same time. This is what I came up with! Honestly, it's not my fault, it was "Swan" that inspired me. And on the road? Let's go on the road, especially since it's already time to go home - the test "in full growth" took place. With what to compare something? The last “all-terrain Toyota” that I drove was the Kluger V. Compared to the “Umnik”, the Cygnus is no less dynamic, according to the response to the accelerator pedal, it has more weight, but almost a hundred more power. In turn, the roll is significant. Oh yes, we, riding around the field, set the soft mode of shock absorbers! The steering wheel, like all large Toyotas, is very light - without reactive action: I return the steering wheel to the "internal" turn with my hands. Here we are on the highway. Fourth gear, 80 km / h, 2000 rpm on the tachometer - a huge motor is not audible. I pressed the pedal - the “kick-down” worked, the second, 3500 rpm - the motor became audible - an extremely pleasant V8 rumbling! Few things so caress the ears of an old fat chauffeur. After a few seconds I release the pedal - again 2000 revolutions, again the "Swan" majestically floats in silence. We return to the city along the bypass past the cargo port, here you can “sink” - the place is the very “drager”. We decide to "put the arrow". A little more than 10 seconds - 100 km / h. I count “ticks” in my head: 25 seconds - 180 km / h - the speedometer “lies”, and now the “Shiryamka” has appeared, it's time to release the “brake parachute”.
REVIEWED AND DECIDED
If I lied, then by inspiration, and the former pilot Nizhegorodov will forgive me! After all, we, journalists, are creative people, impressionable and amorous. And falling in love with the "Northern Swan" is very, very easy: he is handsome, strong and affectionate at the same time.
So what will be the conclusions, comrade former pilot? And the conclusions are as follows: Toyota Land Cruiser Cygnus is a real full-featured jeep, always ready for severe off-road. Honestly, even the most strange: such a seemingly gentle, white, elegant, and even the word “off-road vehicle” does not fit him, because we drove ON FARMED FIELD COVERED WITH DEEP SNOW - places from time immemorial considered a training ground for a horse or tractor! And not just “on the move” slipped, but rather freely rode - with stops, starts and sharp turns. Here it turns out "two in one bottle" - a comfortable large "station wagon" with a super saloon and a real "draft SUV" with two locks and a "demyan". These are the pies. By the way, it suddenly dawned on me: the tires were ordinary road tires. Dear Editor-in-Chief, this is the kind of car our editors need in order to travel on routes to the outback!
Specifications
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Performance characteristics | |
| Max speed | 180 km/h |
| Acceleration time | 8.6 s |
| tank capacity | 96 l. |
| Fuel consumption: | 15.4 /100 km |
| Recommended fuel | AI-98 |
| Engine | |
| Type | Petrol |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Working volume | 4663 cm3 |
| intake type | Injector, multipoint fuel injection |
| Max power | 235 HP at 4800 rpm |
| Max Torque | 422 Nm at 3600 rpm |
| Body | |
| Number of seats | 8 |
| Length | 4890 mm |
| Width | 1940 mm |
| Height | 1890 mm |
| Trunk volume | 2212 l |
| Wheelbase | 2850 mm |
| Ground clearance | 220 mm |
| Curb weight | 2470 kg |
| Full mass | 2910 kg |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | automatic transmission |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Drive unit | Full |
| Steering | |
| Amplifier type | hydraulic booster |
History of Toyota Land Cruiser Cygnus
The Toyota Land Cruiser Cygnus SUV model is an elite modification of the popular SUV from Toyota. In Russia, in the USA and some other countries, the model is known as the Lexus LX470. The participation of this car in the premium sub-brand Lexus underlines the entire elite component and originality of this model.
The Japanese car manufacturer Toyota released this car as a variation of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. The famous "weave" is supplemented here, improved and at the same time has a more premium look.
Initially, this model was created exclusively for the North American automotive market. Toyota Land Cruiser Cygnus was supposed to compete with the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Range Rover models, which were beginning to rapidly gain popularity.
As a technical basis for this car, Japanese engineers used the Land Cruiser 100 platform. The difference between Cygnus is that this SUV had a more prestigious role. The manufacturer added a more individual trim and exterior.
One of the main differences between Cygnus and "hundreds" is the front optics. In this model, the designers decided to choose 4 headlights instead of the traditional 2. The radiator grille, sills, body kits, bumpers, trims and lights are also different.
The model first appeared in 1998. In December, the SUV entered dealerships in Japan. The model was intended for the domestic market. Toyota engineers created this SUV with the wishes of buyers of cars in the prestigious segment. That is why in the interior you can see natural wood and leather. A DVD player and a rear view camera are also the prerogative of the Toyota Land Cruiser Cygnus.
Belonging to the premium segment gives the absence of "twists" on the climate control unit. Their functionality is replaced by buttons. Unlike the “hundredth” Prado, here many of the equipment items that were available as an option are already offered as standard.
In 2002, the Japanese manufacturer carried out a restyling. The SUV has become even more solid, the appearance has improved.
The subsequent restyling took place in 2005, as a result of which the design of the radiator grille became more luxurious. Also changed the design of alloy wheels and rear combination lamps.
- The off-road car Toyota Land Cruiser Cygnus was created as a premium version of the popular Land Cruiser Prado 100. In some markets, the model is known as the Lexus LX470.
- This model is based on the Land Cruiser 100 SUV.
- The main visual difference between the Cygnus and the J100 is 4 headlights instead of the traditional 2. Bumpers, lights, grille, lining and body kits also differ.
- For the convenience of boarding / disembarking the driver, the steering column is equipped with an electric drive. When the car is turned off, the steering column moves up and back.
- Land Cruiser Cygnus, as well as the "simpler" relative - 100, is also offered in special anniversary trim levels.
Options
Japanese designers have provided only one engine for this elite and productive SUV. Toyota Land Cruiser Cygnus is equipped with a 4.7-liter V-engine that is capable of delivering 235 hp. The motor has 8 cylinders, each with 4 valves.
Due to good traction in the low-speed zone, the Zignus SUV performs well when driving off-road at low speeds. For a more confident off-road overcoming, the manufacturer has provided a permanent all-wheel drive.
The suspension is similar to the suspension of the top versions of the Land Cruiser 100, it has pneumatic elements. Vehicle ground clearance may vary depending on the type of coverage, driving mode and other parameters. Range of change of a road gleam: 220-270 mm.
The SUV has an excellent active safety system. This is a tribute to the high class of the car.
Exterior photo
Interior photo
Price
In the secondary market, Cygnus is valued at 400 thousand - 1.8 million rubles.
Where to buy a car
The car is currently out of production. It can be purchased on the secondary market or on electronic sites on the Internet.
Based on the "hundredth"
Land Cruiser Cygnus is a rather rare occurrence for our roads. Like its widespread Euro-American version of the Lexus LX470 (first show - Detroit-1998), it was created on the basis of the Toyota Land Cruiser 100VX ("One hundred percent ...", "Turbo", 2004, No. 6). Therefore, having noticed the Leksovsky 4-eyed front end, but with the Toyota "ligature" and the nose mirror - like in right-hand drive cars, eyewitnesses slow down in some confusion at the expense of identifying the model. In addition, the Cygnus feed is slightly different from the Lexus LX470 with rear lights (like the Prado KJ90 series) and a horizontal 2-leaf 5th door, burdened with an external “spare” for four Bridgestone 275 / 70R16 wheels. Here, perhaps, and all the obvious nuances.
 |
The main difference, of course, is inside the golden 1999 test sample, which also applies to the mirrored driver's seat.
Through the looking glass
Huge tinted interior welcomed us into its leather arms. Landing on any of the rows, even on the convertible 3rd - semi-official (with a separate climate control panel!), Is facilitated with the help of footrests. Moreover, access to the driver's seat pleasantly surprised me with a solid gap between the "steering wheel" and the seat. It's all about the "smart" steering wheel, leaving horizontally and vertically immediately after the ignition is activated. The electronic adjustment of the chair, remembering one of the positions, adjusts to the figure.
Pleasant beige and gray colors are in harmony with numerous mahogany inserts and pleated window shades. Power mirrors and door windows, heated seats, climate control and a modern audio system with touch control are quite consistent with the business class. Almost all keys, buttons, levers and pedals are easily accessible and functionally recognizable. According to the classical canons of ergonomics, the most significant control devices are placed and operate (speedometer on the left, tachometer on the right).
If it were not for the right-hand drive layout, alien to us, which requires getting used to, then the cockpit is extremely close to ideal. An excellent view is complemented by a faceted mirror on the left wing (an expensive thing, but a useful one!).
Plate under the hood
Under the heavy heat and sound-insulated alligator-type hood, we find a power plant - in full accordance with the concept of engine-stove - decorated with a commemorative inscription V8 4700 and the index 2UZ -FE. Under the aesthetic plastic packaging is nothing more than a 4.7-liter gasoline engine from Toyota Land Cruiser 100VX (with Toyota monogram), which also successfully works on the Lexus LX470.
The perfectly balanced 234-horsepower 32-valve "eight" is equally good when driving "pull" through the mud, and with sharp starts. It is aggregated with a time-tested and road-tested 4-speed automatic transmission.
 |
| In your element |
Full speed ahead!
The dynamics of the machine is not much different from the power-law reactions of the "hundredth". Excellent cross-country ability, the same sharp steering wheel, slight rolls and enviable smoothness. A significant role here is played by the same permanent four-wheel drive with a reduction gear and a locking (button on the panel) center differential. Stability is supported by transverse stabilizers and air suspension with 4 damper stiffness adjustments - like the Land Cruiser 100VX. In a "Lexian" way, the position of the body above the road changes in steps (both forcibly and automatically - depending on the speed of movement). First, the front end rises, then the stern catches up with it. And so on to the very top (+70 mm). Three vertical levels are reflected in a clear instrument panel pictogram. In general, the car corresponds to its current price of 1.5 million rubles. and deserves the attention of potential buyers.
| Year of issue | 1999 |
| Body | station wagon, 5-door, 8-seater |
| Engine | petrol, V8, 32-valve |
| Working volume, cm 3 | 4664 |
| Compression ratio | 9,6 |
| Power | 234 HP (4800 min -1) |
| Max. torque | 434 Nm (3400 min -1) |
| Transmission | permanent all-wheel drive 4WD |
| Transmission | automatic 4-speed |
| Overall dimensions: length / width / height, mm | 4890 / 1940 / 1850 |
| Wheel base, mm | 2885 |
| Curb weight, kg | 2450 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h, sec. | 10,0 |
| Fuel consumption, combined cycle, l/100 km | 18,0 |
| Max. speed, km/h | 175 |
| Gasoline tank capacity, l | 96 |
| Tire size | 275/70R16 |
| Alexey Gromov driving since 2003, drives a Honda Civic |
|
|
It's probably no secret to anyone what kind of car Toyota Land Cruiser is; Everyone will say: of course, I know. But if you add here the word Cygnus (lat. - swan), then no matter how hard you strain, you won’t be able to recall such a model. So, our guest is the same Land Cruiser Cygnus. It looks like an ordinary Lexus LX 470; the only difference is that the steering wheel is on the right, and the “reserve” hangs on the stern. About the spaciousness inside: you open the door, and immediately everything is clear - there is no question of tightness here. The driver's seat enjoys special privileges. Firstly, the high "jeep" landing allows you to keep the situation on the road under control. Secondly (the most interesting), you do not have to raise and lower the steering wheel with each landing and disembarkation, everything is done automatically. The dashboard is constantly illuminated and easy to read, it is easy to set the temperature in the cabin from the touch screen, put on your favorite song; in general, everything is “with buttons”. The leather interior sets you up for an imposing ride - especially when you feel an energy-intensive air suspension under you, for which city ravines are not a hindrance. Having comfortably settled down in the driver's seat, setting up the electric seats for ourselves, we set off. On the go, you feel how squat (accelerating) the car is; imagine: a car weighing about 3 tons (with a load) picks up speed faster than many foreign sports cars. Moreover, the gasoline engine with a working volume of 4.7 liters is practically inaudible in the cabin. Not only that, at traffic lights, Cygnus attracts surprised looks not only from Lexus LX 470 drivers, but also from owners of inlaid cars with huge “spoilers”. Massive "jeep" overtakes them without much effort. Now let's go off-road, for which, in principle, the car is intended. Imagine: rain, wet clay plus a steep climb. However, there are no obstacles for the “swan”, it is a bit boring in such conditions. The car seems to be without a single flaw; but, as they say, if you like to ride - love to carry sleds. We are talking about gasoline: count - more than 20 liters per 100 kilometers. No joke at current prices; but trust me, Cygnus is worth it. |
|
| Irina Kabanova driving since 1997, drives a Daewoo Racer |
|
|
At the first glance at the car, it comes to mind: “What a whopper!”. And how to deal with a hefty, almost 5-meter Land Cruiser, I'll never know. It's good that the gearbox is automatic, it's easier to manage. Under the well-fed roar of a 4.7-liter engine with a capacity of 235 forces, the Cruiser demonstrates a hurricane - by Jeep standards - acceleration. When rebuilding from row to row, admiration for the car grew. As you know, the "cruiser" is able to work wonders on the roads, but for all that, it remains an excellent "main" vehicle. The Cygnus maneuvers quickly and accurately, without the "thoughtfulness" inherent in many jeeps. Smooth snake moving from row to row, he easily slips between passing vehicles. In other words, despite the monumental size and solid design, the "jeep" is endowed with a very energetic character. What's in the cabin? Cygnus is an example of luxury. Leather, wood, climate control, full power accessories, navigation (though in Japanese), touch control. Even the plastic here is higher class than other cars. The interior is very cozy and somehow immediately disposes to a long journey. And the 3rd row of seats will allow you to travel with the whole company. Based on the foregoing, it is easy to assume that the Japanese created a large and comfortable "SUV". Not at all: Toyota Land Cruiser remains a true all-terrain vehicle that can handle many off-road tasks. As befits a thoroughbred "jeep", the car is built on a powerful frame; it reduces the possibility of serious damage to the chassis on difficult off-road conditions. The route led out of the city. When we turned off the main road onto the adjoining road, we found ourselves in front of an “intricate” section: a clay rut after rain. It does not hurt to turn on all-wheel drive (plus lowering). The car is able to deal with the most serious off-road. But, to be honest, I didn’t want to climb into the zone of heavy “extreme sports”. When choosing a car, the price, of course, matters. But not decisive. The main thing - regardless of financial, political or family circumstances - is the practical purpose of the vehicle. Toyota Land Cruiser Cygnus, like no other car, meets all the requirements for an "off-road vehicle". He feels equally confident both on asphalt and on difficult terrain. |
|
Reading 5 min. Views 514 Posted on July 27, 2016
We will teach you how to pick up a used Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120.The model of a full-fledged SUV 120 gained fame as one of the most indestructible cars in the Russian Federation. Rumors of reliability passed from mouth to mouth between motorists. And so the army of fans of this SUV model has grown. In Russia, both official copies of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 SUV, as well as those imported by gray dealers, and even used copies with right-hand drive from Japan, were successfully sold. In this article, we will tell you how to choose the right copy of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 SUV.
To date, the cost of a used Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 is comparable to the price of a new Lada Vesta. However, this SUV model, even in used condition, offers much more comfort and driving confidence. But the first copies of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 SUV came out back in 2002 - 14 years ago. This generation of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 SUV was produced for 7 years until 2009. In the secondary automotive market in Russia, you can find copies of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 SUV with various gasoline and turbodiesel engines. The simplest turbodiesel produces just over 100 horsepower. The most powerful 4.0-liter V6 gasoline engine produces about 250 horsepower. You can also find used copies of Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 SUVs, both with a five-seater and a seven-seater saloon.
Inspection of the body of Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120
In fact, the frame structure gives a lot of trouble to the owners of used copies of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 SUV. The frame itself rusts much faster than the body. The first traces of rust appear on the welding points and holes in the body frame. If a used copy of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 SUV was operated in Moscow or St. Petersburg, then its frame rusts much faster from salts and chemicals. It may even crack. Remember that it is very difficult to replace the frame on an SUV due to the fact that it is licensed. The traffic police department in the Russian Federation agrees to rewrite the body frame number only for a bribe. Due to the fact that the vin code was on a plate that was attached to the body with rivets that could be purchased at auto parts stores, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 became very popular with car thieves. After all, it was always possible to replace the old Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 car with a stolen copy, simply by breaking the wine code. Also, often the PTS did not indicate the frame number. This greatly facilitated the case of hijackers with Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 cars. Recently, law enforcement agencies have taken up this case well. Therefore, old copies of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 SUV go either for disassembly or to Kazakhstan.
On the body, traces of corrosion often appear on the rear tailgate, under the plastic moldings of the body lining, and also under the wheel arch extensions.
Salon Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 received a lot of options that were not previously installed in SUVs.
Inspection of the interior of Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120
Too often, owners of used copies of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 SUV remove the third row of seats, which interfere with the transportation of cargo in the trunk. After that, they just lost this rear row of seats and resold the car without it. The main problem in the cabin is the climate system. The fastest thing in it is the gear motor of the mixing dampers. The cost of a new gearmotor is 5000 rubles. The interior heater motor has a resource of 8 years. Knocking in the steering wheel is usually associated with a broken steering column. Another cause of knocking may be a broken cardan cross or an elastic sleeve. Repairing a knock in the steering wheel can cost up to 40,000 rubles.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 Chassis Inspection
Suspensions on the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 SUV are considered very reliable. However, they require regular maintenance. In the front suspension, without maintenance, the ball joint can easily be pulled out, or the spring will simply burst. If an air suspension is installed on a used copy, then its repair will not be too expensive. The pneumatic system pump costs 30,000 rubles, one air bag is estimated at 8,000 rubles. The rubber bands and suspension bushings of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 SUV are often enough for no more than six months if it is operated in the outback on dirt roads. In the brake system, you will have to change the brake pads and discs quite often. The car itself is heavy and the brakes are small.
Suspension Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 can withstand quite heavy loads. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 transmission and engine inspection
In order for the 120 SUV transmission to last for a long time, you will often have to inject cardan shafts. Then they will need to be replaced every 200,000 kilometers. In an automatic transmission, it is necessary to change the gear oil every 60 thousand kilometers. The resource of such a machine is up to 300 thousand kilometers. The most popular engine is the 2.7-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine. This engine and other gasoline and diesel engines are considered reliable and have a long service life. However, owners need to regularly and without delay carry out maintenance of the motor.
Land Cruiser Cygnus- this car was released in 1998 in the USA under the name Lexus LX-470 and then in Japan.
This model was released in only one configuration, but in the car you could see everything, and natural wood on the front panel, and leather interior with special treatment, and the best audio and other electronics. The biggest plus of the car is its extreme suspension with automatic control of clearance and stiffness of shock absorbers. Land Cruiser Cygnus as its common variant Lexus LX470 was created on the basis of Toyota Land Cruiser 100VX, if you compare these models, you can notice some differences. Like a Leksovsky 4 - eye front, front mirrors like in right-hand drive cars, rear lights similar to Prado KJ90.
Salon
If we look inside the Cygnus we see a fairly spacious cargo hold.
Numerous mahogany inserts, a grayish interior trimmed with leather with ruffled curtains create a pleasant atmosphere of comfort. The Land Cruiser is also well equipped with electronics, namely electric door windows and mirrors, climate control, heated seats, and an improved audio system with touch control. According to classical models, the most significant control devices are well-equipped and well-equipped. Everything is polite, the keys and pedals are located so that the driver can easily reach them, there is also an electronic seat adjustment that automatically adjusts to the size of the driver, the ability to extend the steering wheel will make driving on the road convenient and simple.
under the hood
A 2UZ-FE V8 2UZ-FE petrol engine with a capacity of 234 horsepower, as well as a 4-speed automatic transmission, is located in a heat and sound insulated hood. The perfectly balanced 234-horsepower 32-valve V8 2UZ-FE "eight" engine is very well controlled on normal highways and off-road.
The dynamics of the car is almost identical to the already well-known 100VX. Thanks to the permanent four-wheel drive with a reduction gear, the car has excellent cross-country ability and extraordinary smoothness of movement. Cygnus is also equipped with a locking center differential, which allows you to sharply control with little influence of skidding. The stability of the machine is supported by an air suspension with the ability to adjust the stiffness of shock absorbers and lateral stabilizers - as in the already well-known 100VX. Therefore, when driving, you can notice how the position of the body changes depending on the speed. First, it rises slightly in front of the body, and then the stern is compared to the same level. All these transformations occur up to 7 centimeters in the top without creating any inconvenience on the road.
Price Land Cruiser Cygnus approximately reaches the mark of 1.5 million rubles, this is far from overestimated, but the really acceptable monetary limit of quality, functionality and reliability.
